The Bethel Experience

Gen 28:15, 19 …behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest,…

And he called the name of that place Bethel…

Bethel, a place where Jacob experience God’s presence and promises. Running for fear of his life, Jacob came face to face with the God of his fathers. He realized that he could not make things happen on his own. Jacob had a earthly goal, but God had other things in mind. We sometimes think we know what the goal is, but God has something bigger to accomplish. We must come to a place where we are willing to relinquish our dreams and ambitions for God’s will to take place in our lives. The Bethel experience establishes a place where we have committed ourselves to God. His will is now our will, His way is now the way we take. We have seen heaven’s gate and been in the presence of God. With the help of and grace of God, there is no turning back. 

A Lamp with Oil

Matt 25:3 “They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them”

A lamp without oil is useless. Religion without the presence of God is also useless. Being ready for the returning bridegroom is more than having a form of religion. Professing to be a Christian goes beyond the dressing of going to church or being raised to believe certain truths. The wise that have their lamps filled with oil are those who have trusted Christ for salvation and depend on the merit of the blood of Jesus to cleanse their heart from all unrighteousness. Being ready is to have your vessel (your heart) filled with God’s love and living in His presence in every situation and circumstance we find ourselves in. A lamp filled with oil is to have the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts, leading us in our daily walk with God. “Fill my lamp Lord, and help me never to be without”.